What primary purpose does the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 serve?

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 primarily serves to strengthen the capabilities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in preventing and responding to oil spills. This legislation was enacted in response to several significant oil spills, including the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989, highlighting the need for more robust regulatory frameworks to manage such environmental disasters.

The act establishes a comprehensive framework for oil spill prevention, preparedness, response, and liability for damages. It mandates that companies create detailed spill response plans and imposes strict penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the law outlines financial responsibility requirements for oil companies to ensure they can cover the costs of spill cleanup and damages. Thus, the main focus of the Oil Pollution Act is enhancing the protection of marine and coastal environments from oil pollution, enabling better management practices and swift responses to potential environmental threats. This aligns directly with the stated purpose of strengthening the EPA's powers regarding oil spills.